Muhammad Amanullah | August 18, 2026
The True Post — Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the 2026 session of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament (CD). According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan is the final president of the conference for the current year and will lead various meetings and consultations during its term.
Tahir Andrabi to Chair Conference Meetings
According to the Foreign Office, Additional Secretary for Arms Control and Disarmament Tahir Andrabi is chairing the meetings of the conference on behalf of Pakistan.
After assuming the presidency, Pakistan immediately began the consultation process, engaging with representatives of different member states and regional groups on key issues.
The spokesperson said Tahir Andrabi also chaired a meeting of former presidents of the 2026 session and held consultations with representatives of various regional groups.
Negotiations on Annual Report
During Pakistan’s presidency, the country will also guide the preparation of the conference’s annual report and negotiations on a resolution to be presented to the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.
Pakistan has assumed this responsibility at a time when the world is facing multiple challenges related to nuclear weapons, arms races and international security.
During its presidency, Pakistan will have an important diplomatic role in helping reduce differences between countries and building consensus on areas of common interest.
65 Countries Represented
The United Nations Conference on Disarmament, based in Geneva, is the world’s only permanent multilateral forum dedicated to negotiating major arms control and disarmament agreements.
The conference has 65 member states, including all countries possessing nuclear weapons.
Because of its membership and mandate, the conference is regarded as an important diplomatic platform for discussions on international peace, security and arms control.
Major Global Issues on the Agenda
The conference agenda includes several major international issues, including efforts to end the nuclear arms race.
Other key issues include preventing the weaponization of outer space, reducing risks associated with nuclear weapons and negotiating effective international arms control measures.
Different countries have their own security priorities and interests regarding these issues, making consensus-building a complex diplomatic process.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role
According to the Foreign Office, assuming the presidency of the conference is an important diplomatic opportunity for Pakistan.
As president, Pakistan will facilitate negotiations between member states and assist in finding acceptable solutions to contentious issues.
The spokesperson said Pakistan’s presidency reflects the international community’s confidence in the country’s diplomatic leadership and constructive role.
Important Forum for Global Peace
The UN Conference on Disarmament has served for decades as an important centre for negotiations on international arms control issues.
Discussions at the forum aim to build international consensus on measures that can help limit arms races and strengthen international peace and security.
During Pakistan’s presidency, the conference’s annual report and matters related to the UN General Assembly’s First Committee will remain important areas of focus.
A Significant Opportunity for Pakistan
Pakistan’s assumption of the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament is being viewed as an important diplomatic development for the country.
The presidency gives Pakistan an opportunity not only to highlight its priorities in global disarmament discussions but also to facilitate dialogue and consensus among different countries.
According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan will continue to perform its responsibilities in a responsible and constructive manner while contributing to efforts aimed at advancing negotiations on international peace and security.
